你好! or hi! My name is Yutong, but feel free to call me Taylor. I'm a '27 from Beijing, China. This will be my first time living ten thousand miles away from home and my first time embracing the New England winter, which makes everything more exciting! I'm also a big fan of Dartmouth Outing Club, and you can find me canoeing in the Connecticut River or taking a walk at Pine Park. I can't wait to show you my college life with my blogs!
Coming to Dartmouth with a solid background in French (Delf B2), I find French 3 a perfect fit for me -- it helps me to consolidate a lot of key grammar and vocabs, and fun weekly cultural activities like coffee hours and french lunch table offers me chances to relax in busy times. While the class is very rigorous and requires a lot of hard work, my professor is so nice and makes the class very fun! I also look forward to going to Dartmouth's Toulouse LSA program after completion of this class!
This course explores how Buddhist concepts of embodiment affect daily life and society in Southeast Asian contexts, and how the intersection of religion, sexuality, and gender impact broader understandings of authority, wisdom, beauty, death, and loyalty. The class takes on many forms beyond mere lectures -- a visit to the Hood Museum of Art, mindfulness practices, and small Buddha-crafting projects. Our professor (the sweetest Prof. MK Long) also invites many of her colleagues at other institutes as guest lecturers to our class so that we can learn from real experts specializing in different countries in Southeast Asia. I have learned a lot from the class and decided to become a religion major after this course!
Having never enjoyed math classes before college, I'm surprised (again) by how I'm becoming a math major and falling in love with math here! My professor (Prof. Shu Longmei, who graduated from the best university in my hometown) is incredibly good at teaching the concepts -- not just explaining things clearly but also showing us the beauty and elegance of calculus. I really look forward to taking more math classes in the future!
As the decision phase for many incoming students comes to a close, it's time to think about the next big step: packing.
It feels like just yesterday when I arrived on campus, bewildered with three enormous suitcases sprawled on my bedroom floor. The excitement of orientation, the dizzying array of choices at Target, and the occasional waves of homesickness marked my first weeks. Packing, especially for those who have never lived alone, can be daunting. But fear not—I've got some tips that might just make the process smoother.
Prepare for the Different Weather
For those coming from milder climates, Hanover's weather is a new experience! It rains or snows about 1-2 days each week in winter, so sturdy, warm, waterproof boots are a must. You don't want to find yourself wading through snow and puddles in sneakers!
Layering is key to thriving in the Hanover winter. Bring a variety of layers and a warm jacket. If you're returning home during winter break, you don't need the heaviest coat initially for fall—just make sure to pack a moderately warm jacket and boots as temperatures drop quickly towards late fall (below 20F/-5C).
Believe me or not – this photo was taken after a flash snow in April!
Also, consider a fan for the warmer early fall or late spring. While Hanover is rarely too hot these times of year, you can never be too safe!
The Fun Stuff: Campus Life Essentials
If you decide to participate in Greek Life (or even hope join an organization in your sophomore year), bring old sneakers you won't mind getting dirty. It might also be helpful to bring a worn, inexpensive jacket that you don't mind losing!
Thanks to my hiking boots and clothings that allows me to go on many of the impromptu hikes on weekends!
For the outdoor enthusiasts, pack both regular and warm hiking boots, along with appropriate attire. While the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) offers gear, having your own means you're always ready for an impromptu adventure. A sleeping bag for cabin nights and your first-year trip is also useful, though it's also available through the DOC for free.
Addressing Homesickness
One of the lesser-discussed yet impactful challenges of moving abroad is managing homesickness. A little taste of home can go a long way in easing this feeling. I recommend packing some of your favorite snacks from home. Not only will they provide a comforting nibble during late-night study sessions or moments of nostalgia, but they can also be a great way to share your culture with new friends. Whether it's a spicy treat, sweet biscuits, or something uniquely local to your region, these familiar flavors can bring immense comfort during your initial days at Dartmouth and help bridge connections with peers. Plus, having these treats on hand means you always have a quick cure for when homesickness strikes.
My American Chinese friend actually brings her Lao Gan Ma spicy chili crisp to Foco (our main dining hall) every day!
Green Key is one of Dartmouth's major spring festivities, bringing two popular music artists to our Gold Coast Lawn. My weekend was filled with friends and fun!
I lived on the same dorm floor as the GIS LLC (Living Learning Community) this year. I asked some of my floormates about their experience with it so that you can hopefully get a holistic sense of what GIS is like!
I moved to Berlin for three months to live with a host family. These are my thoughts about the process and why exploring study abroad programs with host families is worthwhile!
Dartmouth's most anticipated spring tradition is over, prompting an influx of Green Key posts from Dartmouth students online (including this one from myself)! Join me as I reflect on the most memorable parts of this weekend!
Eastern European Easter (loads of E's, I know), a mock wedding with the Dartmouth African Student Association, and of course, Green Key! What a busy week!
